Last Night of Citizens' Academy

Tonight was the last night of classes for the Jacksonville Public Safety Citizens' Academy.

The topic tonight was focused on the emergency services of

*First Responders

*Advanced First Responders

*and Paramedics

Our firefighters do "first responder" duties and stay with the patient until the Onslow County EMT unit arrives with paramedics. It's very interesting though because so many of the "first responders" are also paramedics.  The system changed a few years ago from firefighters being the paramedics to Onslow County providing the paramedic duties.  Many of the firefighters keep up their certifications to be paramedics.

I didn't realize that paramedics no longer are in contact with a Doctor or hospital during an event.  That's old TV drama stuff.  Paramedics are on their own, although they may call the hospital to give them a "heads up" on who they are bringing in.

The battalion chief who spoke to us tonight has been with Jacksonville for 28 years and is getting ready to retire in 2019, although he plans on being an instructor at a high school or college.  He's tiring of 100 hour weeks he says.

Two of the paramedics who talked to us tonight explained how they "live" their work and are dedicated to their jobs.  I don't know if I can explain this well or not, but I'll try. (Kind of a "You had to be there" thing). The battalion chief said he is always assessing people and situations even when not on the job, because he has to do that on the job.  I think it's like, always wanting to be prepared.  Just in case.  Police Officers are probably the same way.

They have monthly continuing education classes which is necessary to keep up on medications and drugs and their uses and side effects, etc.  

There were a lot of questions asked and discussion on their dedication and do they ever have PTSD.  They acknowledged that, yes, they do get/have PTSD but they are all encouraged to seek help.  It's not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength, to ask for help.  There's a psychiatrist on duty, and they have chaplains.  Battalion Chief said he is able to cope with traumatic situations on the job due to his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  He's the third officer of either department who told us they trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and not afraid to say so.  I'm so impressed with all these men who conducted these classes.

Near the end of the night, Director Yaniero, who is in charge of the entire Public Safety Department came and spoke to us, thanked us for participating and for being a source of public relations for them. 

They called each of us up, gave us our certificates and gifts, and shook our hands

Then we went outside to the front of the building to have a photo taken of the group with the officers involved.  The director talked to us about volunteers and what kind of jobs are available to volunteers and asked if we wanted to take an application home with us.  Several people said yes, so he went to get some in the office, but they were out of them.  So, the Director of the entire department went and made copies for us.  I admire that.  He didn't send a secretary, he did it.  Can I just say, these men are all humble servants and I feel honored to have been able to attend these classes and get to know what kind of men they are.

( Heard tonight we now have two motorcycle police officers.  Have to watch out for them!  ha ha)


Found out recently that Onslow County also has a Citizens' Academy.  Maybe I'll do that one next!